Whether we like it or not, personal safety should be a concern for everyone. While it's essential to always be aware of potential risks no matter what plans you have put in place, there are proactive steps we can all take that that can minimise the chances of becoming a victim of crime.
By incorporating simple and practical habits into different aspects of our lives, we can create a safer environment for ourselves and those around us.
In this blog, we'll explore a range of ideas for protecting yourself, your family and your assets from becoming victims of crime whether you’re at home or away.
Protecting Your Home
Returning home and discovering that someone has been in your space and worse still, taken your things, is a sickening feeling and one we would all wish to avoid. Help put criminals off from targeting your home with these security features:
· Install quality locks on doors and windows.
· Keep your home well-lit, inside, and out, to make it less attractive to intruders.
· Use timers to turn on lights and electronics when you're away, giving the impression that someone is home.
· Maintain your garden and keep it tidy to avoid giving the impression that the house is unoccupied.
· Invest in a security system. CCTV options for personal homes are now affordable and readily available from your local electronics or hardware store.
· Ensure you have a house alarm and have it regularly tested and maintained.
Safeguarding Your Car
Most of us have experienced the dread of returning to our car and finding that someone has broken in but there are ways to help make your car and its content less of a target.
· Always lock your car and roll up windows, even if you'll only be away for a short while.
· Park in well-lit areas and populated spaces whenever possible.
· Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight; store them in the boot or take them with you.
· Install an alarm system or anti-theft device for added protection.
· Be cautious when approached by strangers while inside your vehicle; keep windows up and doors locked.
Maintaining Personal Safety at Work
With work being somewhere we likely go to everyday, it’s not surprising that this is a place where people can find themselves becoming the victims of crime. Use the following tips to help safeguard yourself in the workplace.
· Familiarise yourself with your workplace's safety protocols and emergency exits.
· Keep your personal belongings secure, utilising lockers or other designated storage areas.
· Report any suspicious or concerning behaviour to your supervisor or security personnel.
· Take regular breaks and avoid isolated areas, especially during late hours.
· Be mindful of phishing emails and exercise caution when sharing sensitive information online.
Protecting Yourself and Your Property when Travelling Overseas
For those of us privileged enough to experience it, travel is an exciting and fulfilling part of life and something many of us look forward to, particularly in the post-Covid era. However, being a tourist automatically opens you up to opportunistic targeting and there are plenty of risks to ourselves and our property when travelling, particularly overseas where the language and culture may be vastly different to what we are used to.
There are plenty of things that we can do to help travel go smoothly:
· Research your destination and be aware of local safety risks and scams.
· Inform a trusted friend or family member about your travel plans and provide them with copies of important documents and your accommodation details.
· Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or belongings that may attract unwanted attention.
· Use hotel safes to secure valuable items and carry only essential cash and cards when going out. A belted money wallet that you where around your waist but under your clothes is a great option for keeping your money discreet.
· Be cautious of public Wi-Fi networks and refrain from accessing sensitive information while connected to unsecured networks.
General Safety Practices
· Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts; if something feels off, remove yourself from the situation.
· Avoid walking alone in dimly lit or unfamiliar areas, especially at night.
· Stay connected with friends and family, letting them know your whereabouts and estimated arrival times.
· Invest in personal safety devices, such as a whistle, flashlight, or personal alarm.
By adopting these everyday practices and incorporating them into our routines, we can create a safer environment for ourselves and others.
Remember, personal safety is not about living in constant fear, but rather about being prepared, vigilant, and empowered. By taking proactive steps, we can reduce the chances of becoming victims of crime and inspire a positive sense of security in our daily lives.